After more than four decades in Bangladesh’s band music scene, Partha Barua has released the title track of his first original solo album, “Mukhosh” — a project years in the making.

Barua, a key member of the legendary band Souls, first announced the album six years ago. At the time, two songs — “Shohor O Meghdol” and “Brishtir Gaan” — were released, raising expectations. Then the project went quiet, as the musician turned his focus to Souls’ extensive engagements, including celebrations marking the band’s 50-year journey.

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Now, the title track “Mukhosh” has been released on Barua’s official YouTube channel. Written by Rana, the song is composed and arranged by Barua himself, with production by Avik.

The song, Barua says, reflects on the duality of human nature. “We tried to uncover both the inner and outer selves. The idea is simple — we all wear masks. Who we are inside is often not what we show outside,” he said. He added that the album deliberately moves away from conventional band formulas. “This is somewhat different from the music we usually create as a band. I consciously kept commercial thinking aside while working on it.”

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Barua noted that despite a long musical career, he had never felt compelled to release a solo album. “I always wanted my identity to be rooted in Souls,” he said. “But over time, after composing five songs that felt distinct in tone and texture, it seemed right to present them separately.”

The members of Souls supported the decision, encouraging him to release the songs under the title “Mukhosh”. The album features five original tracks, all written by Rana, with Barua handling composition and musical arrangement.